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He’d be a natural, a great leader as the Senators new captain, but Jason Spezza isn’t getting his shorts in a knot over a letter change.

It’s something the Senators haven’t had to worry since 1999 when they sewed the captain’s ‘C’ on to the jersey of Daniel Alfredsson.

Spezza will be in the mix to be the captain — along with stand-up guys such as Chris Phillips, Chris Neil and Marc Methot. It’s just not something that consumes the 30-year-old, who showed up Monday morning at an NHL player skate at the Bell Sensplex.

“I don’t think it’s a controversy,” said Spezza, looking relaxed. “It’s something for you guys to talk about in August. It’s stuff that gets dealt with in training camp. It’s different because Alfie’s been here so long. It’s just more newsmaking for you guys.

“Leadership is something that comes naturally. It’s not something you can force. I think I’ve established myself as a leader in the locker room. It’s something I’ve grown into and feel comfortable with.

“Me, Philly, Neiler — we have a group of guys that have been together for along time. Erik (Karlsson) is a young guy coming up, Marc Methot’s played a lot of years in the league. We’re going to continue to lead as a group.

“I’d love to have that honour to be captain of the hockey team. But it’s not going to define who I am as a player, or how I carry myself in the dressing room. I’ve had a big say in the locker room the last few years as it is and I don’t think that will change.”

As Spezza left the ice following the 90-minute scrimmage, there were questions about his health, his omission from the invite list for the Team Canada orientation camp, and a high-scoring kid, Bobby Ryan, who could be one of his first-line wingers.

“Bobby’s a heckuva hockey player who has room to get better,” said Spezza. “I’m excited to have a chance to play with a guy like that.”

Spezza says he’s good to go. He’s anxious to get back to being the Jason Spezza of old, not the version that missed nearly four months of last season because of a cranky back.

“I feel really good,” he said. “I’m excited going into camp.

“You’re never completely out of the woods when it comes to your back. I feel strong. I was able to put in a full summer of work. It’s something I’m going to have to constantly stay on, take days (off) when I need to take days (off).

“I’ve had back problems before. One of the big things is I could put in a good three-month work summer where I could strengthen it and build a good base. That hopefully carries me through the season. I missed (almost) a full season. I have high expectations. When I’m healthy, I know I can play well.”

While Spezza and teammates are skating in a back corner of the Sensplex, 46 of Canada’s elite NHLers are in Calgary for an orientation camp. Spezza, certainly one of the league’s elite talents, was snubbed.

“When they released the list (of invites), they called me, they told me that (the back) was one of the reasons,” said Spezza. “That stuff’s out of my control. All I can do is play.

“Maybe it gives me a little chip on my shoulder. But it’s not my motivation for success this year. It’s something you can’t control. You could be having the best season of your life and they could still find a way not to have you there. I just want to play well here.

“When you miss a full year, you feel like you’ve missed a lot. When you’re not playing, it sucks watching games from up top, not feeling like you’re part of things. I’m excited to be part of things again.”

Jason Spezza good to go with or without Senators' 'C'

He’d be a natural, a great leader as the Senators new captain, but Jason Spezza isn’t getting his shorts in a knot over a letter change.

It’s something the Senators haven’t had to worry since 1999 when they sewed the captain’s ‘C’ on to the jersey of Daniel Alfredsson.

Spezza will be in the mix to be the captain — along with stand-up guys such as Chris Phillips, Chris Neil and Marc Methot. It’s just not something that consumes the 30-year-old, who showed up Monday morning at an NHL player skate at the Bell Sensplex.

“I don’t think it’s a controversy,” said Spezza, looking relaxed. “It’s something for you guys to talk about in August. It’s stuff that gets dealt with in training camp. It’s different because Alfie’s been here so long. It’s just more newsmaking for you guys.